Hey guys I am new to this whole WFP stuff, I’ve been cleaning windows since 2004 and now I think I need to step it up. I am really interested in buying the starter package from here, the one with the 17 ft xtel pole, tds meter, and the tank for about $650.
But like all newbies I have some questions…
About how high can I get with a 17ft pole? 2-3 stories commercial/residential?
Can I add to this pole later on to make it reach higher or do I have to buy a longer one later on?
When not fully extended about how tall is it? Do you think I can use it easily on 1 story homes?
I know depending how hard the water is in our area but about how long does that tank last? What needs to be done after I don’t get pure water anymore?
Sorry for the questions but I know I will have more later on. Thanks for the help in advance.
First let me say welcome!
The 17ft pole will take care of most 2 story homes. To the best of my knowledge you can’t add to the Xtel poles. When it is closed you should be able to do a one story home just fine. You would need to know the TDS in your area to be able for us to give any accurate time frame for how long the tank would last. Once it’s spent you can replace the resin in the tank.
Hope this helps.
I’m new to WFP. I mean I new about it for about 3 or 4 years. But man is it ever a time saver. These windows are hard to clean but with WFP. Done 5 nins.
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Welcome!! I look forward to your posts. As for the WFP you are gonna absolutely LOVE it!!
I would say your best bet is to call Chris or Alex (the site owners and owners of the online store) and they should be able to answer your questions, also there are some resident experts here too, like Micah and others…go to the waterfed pole section on the forum and send these guys a PM or call em up.
Myself, I only have about 2 years behind the pole, and these other fellas got much more time than I do.
About how high can I get with a 17ft pole? 2-3 stories commercial/residential?
[B]Well figure 17ft + 3ft or how ever tall your waste is…[/B]
Can I add to this pole later on to make it reach higher or do I have to buy a longer one later on?
[B]
its best to buy a longer one later… its just easier[/B]
When not fully extended about how tall is it? Do you think I can use it easily on 1 story homes?
[B]its about 5 feet — yes you could easily use it one 1 story homes[/B]
I know depending how hard the water is in our area but about how long does that tank last? What needs to be done after I don’t get pure water anymore?
[B]This is just a rough chart though it varies… Once the tank is spent you can exchange the resin with us, or you can find a local place do due it witch would be cheaper because there is no shipping costs involved.[/B]
Sorry for the questions but I know I will have more later on. Thanks for the help in advance.
[B]
No problem thats what we are here for… feel free to get in touch here or directly if we can be of any other help![/B]
I think you’ll quickly find that a 17’ pole is too short for a lot of work,… but you’d also find a 30’ pole very heavy if you were working with it all day! The practical solutions are either get 2 poles, or use a modular pole like the SL2 where you only use the sections you need.
Starting out WFP can be very costly, and while the shop bought poles are nearly always better and easier to use, sometimes DIY can allow you to fund a better setup for starting out, and you can get the proper kit later.
I find a converted 5mtr 3 section aluminium painters pole works perfect for most residential work, and it only cost about $30 from my local hardware store. Being aluminium its also very tough and hard wearing. 17’ poles are not long enough to reach windows above porch’s, sunrooms etc though, so another longer pole is essential IMO.
For a longer & lighter pole I have a Carbon Fibre fishing pole. I discarded the top 3 sections as they are too weak, and used a 2 part epoxy glue & the top 8" of an ordinary metal broom handle to put a thread on the top section that my angle adapters and brushes fit perfectly to.
As for your DI question,… get a TDS meter before you make a decision on your setup. DI only systems can be extremely expensive to run, especially as you guys seem to have a much higher average tap TDS than we do in Europe. A small RO (Search on ebay for 200 or 300GPD systems) will often pay for itself within 4-6 months depending on your water usage. You’ll still need DI, but a tank will last much longer. I changed the resin in my tank today,… its lasted 7 months of heavy use!
RO is simple, but loads of guys on here seem a bit afraid of it,… I’m making it my mission to convert you all!
I could be mistaken, Nathan. It was a while back and someone was talking about running w/ just a couple of sections of the Super Light for low work and (I thought) someone said Alex had advised against that because there would be extra strain on those sections and the could fracture.
